Garmin has unveiled two new editions to the Forerunner collection: Forerunner 255 & Forerunner 955 (in solar and non-solar).
Forerunner 255
The Forerunner 255 series of GPS running smartwatches includes full triathlon support, new training metrics, enhanced smartwatch features (when paired with a smartphone) and more.
Available in two different sizes: 255 and 255S, the Forerunner 255 is slim and lightweight with an always-on, full colour display. According to Garmin, this is easy to read even in direct sunlight.
With wellness and smart features, and now with multi-sport capability, the new 255 includes features such as HRV status, suggested workouts and running power.
“The Forerunner 255 series of GPS running smartwatches are loaded with features and training tools to help you compete at a higher level,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales.
“With brand new performance and recovery insights, top-of-the-line training features and enhanced smartwatch functionality, you have everything you need – right on your wrist – to keep pushing for your fastest PR.”
Features include:
- Morning report: receive the day’s weather and daily workout suggestion, as well as information about last night’s sleep and HRV status.
- Full triathlon support: switch up a workout routine with triathlon and multisport activity profiles. During races and brick workouts, toggle between sports with a single button press.
- Race widget: view race prep information – including a race day-specific performance prediction, race day weather and a countdown clock – all in one widget. Once a race is scheduled, daily suggested workouts will adapt based on an athlete’s race plans.
- HRV status: track heart rate variability while sleeping to get a better handle on recovery and an overall wellness picture.
- Garmin Pay contactless payments right from the wrist.
- Multi-band GPS: with multi-band, multi-satellite-system tracking on the watch, athletes can receive more accuracy in their run data, even in the most challenging environments.
- Native running power: when using a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro (sold separately), receive real-time metrics of how much power is being exerted on a run, built into the watch – no app required.
The 255 series is designed to track overall well-being 24/7. Wrist-based Pulse Ox3 monitors blood oxygen saturation levels to provide a clearer picture of sleep, while Body Battery shows current energy levels to help athletes find the best times for activity and rest.
Every morning, users receive a personalised score for their sleep quality and can view their different sleep stages as well as heart rate, stress, Pulse Ox and respiration data. Female users can use the women’s health tracking app to track their pregnancy and adjust their training to plan for upcoming races based on where they are in their menstrual cycle.
The Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 255S come in new colours – including tidal blue and light pink – and have a suggested retail price of £299.99. The Forerunner 255 Music and Forerunner 255S Music are available in black or whitestone and have a suggested retail price of £349.99.
Forerunner 955
The Forerunner 955 Solar is Garmin’s first dedicated running smartwatch with solar charging. Featuring a Power Glass solar charging lens, the watch gives athletes up to 20 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 49 hours in GPS mode.
The Forerunner 955 Solar features an always-on, full-colour display – while a responsive touchscreen complements the traditional 5-button design, allowing for fast access to everyday health features, easier control of maps and more.
Forerunner 955 is billed as the ultimate training smartwatch, with advanced training tools and features including Training Readiness, Stamina and Running Power.
“Athletes who strive to be the best seek the best training tools, and we are pleased to introduce the Forerunner 955 Solar to our line-up of premier GPS running smartwatches,” said Garmin’s Dan Bartel.
“With high-end training features and performance metrics, the Forerunner 955 Solar gives you the tools to chase your goals. No matter where, when or why you run, the Forerunner 955 Solar will help you go the extra mile.”
Features include:
- Solar charging: Power Glass solar charging gives athletes up to 49 hours of battery life in GPS mode.
- Touchscreen interface: swipe through maps, stats and more. The traditional 5-button design can be used separately or in conjunction with the touchscreen.
- Multi-band GPS: multi-band, multi-satellite-system tracking.
- Training readiness: learn each day how ready the body is to benefit from training by taking into account sleep, recovery time, HRV status and additional metrics.
- HRV status: track heart rate variability while sleeping to get a better handle on recovery and an overall wellness picture.
- Morning report: when paired with a smartphone, receive the day’s weather and daily workout suggestion, as well as information about last night’s sleep and HRV status.
- Race widget: view race prep information – including a race day-specific performance prediction, race day weather and a countdown clock – all in one widget. Once a race is scheduled, daily suggested workouts will adapt based on an athlete’s race plans.
- Real-time stamina insights: monitor and track exertion levels in real-time during a run or ride.
- Native running power: when using a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro (sold separately), receive real-time metrics of how much power is being exerted on a run, built into the watch – no app required.
The Forerunner 955 Solar has a suggested retail price of £599.99. A non-solar charging version, the Forerunner 955, is also available with a suggested retail price of £519.99.
